Share with others:

Related Media:

A high school basketball coach who won two WPIAL boys championships a few years ago has been charged with making terroristic threats toward a neighbor last month.

Mitch Adams, who has been Gateway’s coach for nine seasons, was charged by Trafford police July 13 over an incident near his home. Besides the terroristic threats charge, Adams also was charged with harassment. He faces a preliminary hearing Sept. 23 before District Judge Helen Kistler.

Mr. Adams, 56, of Trafford, could also face penalties from the Gateway School District, but Gateway athletic director Randy Rovesti said, “At this time the school board hasn’t met or done anything that I’m aware of.”

Mr. Adams is not a teacher at Gateway.

“My innocence will be proven. I was not involved any threats or anything like that,” Mr. Adams said.

Mr. Adams has been Gateway’s coach since 2005 and won the only two WPIAL boys basketball titles in school history in 2011-12.

Earlier this year, a group of Gateway’s players parents went to school administrators to complain about Mr. Adams’ abusive language toward players. Gateway rehired Mr. Adams as coach earlier this summer.